New to the forum. I am seeking guidence on an issue or two.
2003 Dodge Dakota 4 Door 5 speed V6
Truck wont start with key. Will only push start (Has power, lights come on, no clicking no nothing) it gave no warning or hesitations of the starter going out. I had to push / pop clutch in first to start. no problem.
history
Power comes on, bypassed the clutch switch by twisting wires together, tried jumping, cleaned terminals, tried the back and forth on locks, we dont have fobs just black key. the truck does have ghost issue of locks opening and closing at night by itself and no power to the OBDII connector.
Is this a starter issue? i was thinking of adding a relay down at the startet and add a push button if this is some pcm security BS. in my non obdii CARS WE JUST REMOVE SECURITY MODUALS AND BYPASS. but not sure on this one. please advise replace solinoid rebuild starter bypass security add push buttor or?

 

I think you have two issues. Can you start it by shorting across the solenoid, making damned sure the truck is in neutral and the parking brake is set because if you do this and it starts while in gear it WILL roll over you? If not, there's a starter issue. If you can, then there's a problem between the starter and the key switch which will require a wiring diagram to check. Ever since they computerized everything you never know when or if they run stuff like this through a computer anymore.

The ghost in the machine sounds like a CTM problem. The stuff below, grabbed from some random website somewhere, is controlled by the CTM, and the CTM is a fairly common failure point. It can be found behind the driver side kick panel in front of the door, next to the parking brake foot pedal.

In the case of Chrysler, and depending on the vehicle and trim package, the CTM can control the following systems:

Battery Saver Functions For Exterior and Interior Lamps
Cargo Lamps
Chime Warning
Courtesy Lamps
Dome Lamps
Dome Defeat
Door Ajar Switch Status
Fog Lamps
Head Lamp Time Delay
Intermittent Wiper Controls
Low and High Beam Head Lamps
Optical Horn
Park Lamps
Central Locking (VTSS)
Door Lock Inhibit
Driver Door Unlock
Enhanced Accident Response
Power Door Locks
Remote Radio
Remote Keyless Entry
Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTSS)
Horn Chirp
Optical Chirp

 

Check starter relay. Swap it with another relay to test.

 

I have a new issue today . My 2008 dodge dakota v6 6speed ,won't start now . Has power ,lights all come on but we have to roll start it . I bypassed the clutch safety, brand new battery , checked fuses . And still have to roll start. I don't have key fobs just 2 black keys . I need some input !!!

 

You wanna post in the 3rd Gen Dak section.